Hello all,

Dec. 24-26 we will be at the Zion National Park Lodge, oddly enough located in Zion National Park. We haven't been there before. If anyone has any "insider" tips or just helpful general information about the place, we would be greatly appreciative to read it. We will be going to and from via St. George, so not using the east entrance.

thanks for any help you can provide,
C

I always stay at the lodge when I'm in Zion. That said, the food at the lodge isn't great. I go into Springdale every night for dinner (and usually pack a lunch for day hikes). But I do like the tranquility of the lodge at night and in the morning compared to Springdale so that's why I stay there. There's a shuttle stop there, which is nice. Since it's December, the horse stables will be closed. And it might be a little cold to rent e-bikes. The best part of the lodge is the parking. You don't have to deal with the visitor center parking lot and deal with the lines at those shuttle stops.

Take advantage of being in the park before the public and in the park after the public leaves.

We would catch the first shuttle to hit early morning hikes. Go back ti the room for lunch / nap and head back out for an evening hikes. But that was summertime necessity to avoid the heat. Bring bikes or electric skooters so you can enjoy the river by yourself after the shuttles stop.

As echoed, food was disappointing. We brought our own coffee maker to enjoy the rocking chairs on the room balcony. There's ice machines like most hotels, so feel free to bring food / beverages in a cooler.

The lodge is great in late afternoon to early evening when the crowds are gone. You have access to the nearby trails, etc. pretty much by yourself. The horseback rides across the road are a fun way to see some of the park. The food is perfectly adequate. If you are a foodie staying at a national park you will be sorely disappointed in the food over 90% of the time IMHO. Breakfast can get a bit crowded at times.

Thanks for the replies! A small coffee maker sounds like a good idea.

So no coffee maker? Weird…

What about a fridge in the room?

jpb1999 said:

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So no coffee maker? Weird…

What about a fridge in the room?

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Get an Aeropress. Perfectly travel size.

You are welcome.

jpb1999 said:

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So no coffee maker? Weird…

What about a fridge in the room?

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When I went to Zion, I stayed in Springdale. But, when I went to Yellowstone, I stayed in the park. The room was similar to a dorm room. It had a dorm like bed and a bathroom. That's it. There was soap and towels in the bathroom, and sheets on the bed, but that is the extent of the amenities. I wouldn't expect much at Zion as far as comfort.

Main advantage is not having to deal with visitor center/Springdale parking. I'll add that you're near some of the best hikes in the park in Emereld Pool and Angel's Landing. Try to get into the daily lottery for Angel's Landing if you're interested in that. Even if you don't get in, the Hike up to Scout's lookout point was worth it.

We enjoyed Zion Canyon Brew Pub for lunch and beers. It's just outside the south entrance.